Employability People

What is it you do?

I work with employability providers nationwide to project manage the configuration of their case management system. When a provider buys a new YETI system - usually when they are awarded a new contract such as BBO or Work Able - I meet with project teams to establish their requirements. I show them how the system works and understand their processes, then configure the system to support their work.

Once the system is configured, I train the front line staff on how to use it.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the employability sector?

Advisers always have a heavy caseload, and managing that can be a struggle. Often this is made worse by lack of clarity from the governing bodies, as their guidelines aren’t always clear and tend to change quite often, which is difficult for the Advisers to keep up with. Sometimes things can get missed or the quality of the work Advisers do is impacted by these issues.

What do you think the employability sector is doing really well?

They employ good staff! I’m always struck by how dedicated the front line staff I meet are to their customers and client group.

What do you think would improve the work of front line staff?

I think more networking groups between key people, such as governing bodies and employers, would help front line staff to share best practice and discuss standardisation. More investment in staff to allow teams to grow would be beneficial.

What key piece of advice would you give to Employability Advisers?

Be honest about how much caseload you can manage and make time for team meetings. Also don’t underestimate the importance of standardising internal processes, rather than everyone doing their own thing. That tends to be the reason things come unstuck during audit!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Always plan ahead and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or support when you need it.

If you are an employer organisation that provides employment related services, IEP can raise your performance through qualifications and training. It supports the continued professional development needs of your management teams and frontline staff.